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Anticipated Food Prior to Cost Increase

Food-related industries and participants, including manufacturers, merchants, and consumers, are negatively affected by the repercussions of climate change. This shift in weather patterns has profoundly disrupted the food industry.

Anticipated Food Prior to Cost Surge
Anticipated Food Prior to Cost Surge

Anticipated Food Prior to Cost Increase

In recent times, the cost of a popular aromatic food has seen a significant increase, causing concern among consumers and manufacturers alike. This food, which is rich in minerals, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamins, is a staple in many kitchens and is used in the production of various popular products, including Nutella.

The price hike can be attributed to a cold snap in Turkey, the country that supplies about two-thirds of the global hazelnut market. The unusually harsh weather conditions have led to a drastic reduction in the Turkish hazelnut harvest, causing a 30-36% drop in output compared to the previous year. As a result, hazelnut prices have surged over 35%, with Turkish futures exceeding 200 lira (around $4.91) per kilogram and international spot prices reaching up to $10 per kilo.

This significant rise in the price of hazelnuts has direct implications for products like Nutella, which relies heavily on hazelnuts. Approximately 13% of Nutella's recipe is made up of hazelnuts, and Ferrero, the manufacturer of Nutella, uses around a quarter of the global hazelnut supply. The increased input costs for hazelnuts are forcing confectionery companies to consider recipe changes, size reductions, or price increases to offset expenses.

Some producers have already started lowering the hazelnut content significantly in their products. Given the scale of Nutella's distribution and hazelnut dependency, consumers can expect higher retail prices and possibly smaller jar sizes in the near future.

This scenario reflects broader climate change impacts on food commodity markets, with notable effects on confectionery and baked goods reliant on nuts. The increased price of coffee and cocoa beans, due to extreme weather conditions, further highlights the potential financial burden that consumers may face in the future.

It is important to note that Ferrero, the manufacturer of Nutella, has not yet reported any problems with the supply of hazelnuts. However, the potential for a supply shortage cannot be ruled out, especially considering the projected price increases for hazelnuts due to climate change, particularly severe frost in Turkey in 2025.

In conclusion, the price increase of hazelnuts, a key ingredient in Nutella, is a cause for concern for both consumers and manufacturers. The increased cost could lead to further price escalation in the future, making popular products like Nutella potentially more expensive. Consumers may want to consider alternative options, such as almonds, which can be a cheaper alternative to hazelnuts for baking.

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